The natural side of Estes Park

White-faced ibises wade through a puddle on the Lake Estes 9-hole golf course on Wednesday. The small flock of wading birds should grow as the weather warms and more birds head north. (Walt Hester)

The flora and fauna of the Estes Valley were on display this past week.

A small family of bighorn sheep root around in snow along Fall River Road in search of a meal on Saturday. The animals are used to harsh conditionsand have little problem serviving snow and cold. (Walt Hester)

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A Colorado Columbine blumes in the Rocky Mountain National Park greenhouse on Saturday. The park opened their greenhouse for public tours on Saturday in observance of Earth Day. (Walt Hester)

A bull elk sporting new velvety antlers digs through the snow for spring grass along the Fall River on Saturday. Temperatures should be on the rise as April winds to an end. (Walt Hester)